As the San Antonio community recovers from the economic challenges resulting in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Goodwill San Antonio’s Good Careers Academy is collaborating with Project Quest to help provide vocational training to individuals whose livelihood was negatively impacted by the pandemic.
The City of San Antonio and Bexar County received funding through the CARES legislation intended to serve those whose employment has been disrupted due to the health crisis. Much of these funds, and the resulting conversations, are focused on workforce development — ensuring the community is assisting displaced workers and helping individuals overcome the economic hardships they are facing.
Goodwill San Antonio’s Good Careers Academy is part of a collaborative effort along with Project Quest offering education and vocational training programs to those impacted. For workers who cannot go back to their old jobs and must acquire new skills in order to remain competitive, or for anyone overwhelmed in a world of uncertainty, funding will provide opportunities for financial assistance and a stipend for individuals who qualify to go through vocational training and gain necessary certifications in a high-demand industry. This means individuals who qualify can receive quality vocational training for little to no out-of-pocket costs as well as a stipend for participating.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected our economy and has changed the employment landscape indefinitely. Goodwill San Antonio is dedicated, now more than ever, to continue providing meaningful education, training and employment services to the community as we have done for the past 75 years,” said Angelique De Oliveira, chief mission services officer for Goodwill San Antonio. “With new funding opportunities available in combination with a safe and quality hybrid curriculum, Good Careers Academy is here to upskill individuals and provide them with training opportunities to help them achieve financial stability and long-term success.”
Goodwill San Antonio’s Good Careers Academy provides accredited short-term vocational training programs in high-demand career fields such as Medical Assistant, Nurse’s Aide, Pharmacy Technician, Administrative Assistant and Commercial Driver License. Course offerings and curricula are shaped by the needs of area employers, who provide real-world guidance on the needs of the business community.
The goal of Good Careers Academy is to prepare individuals for well-paying, high-demand careers while providing a skilled, job-ready workforce to local employers. Funding through Goodwill San Antonio’s retail stores and other partnerships positions Good Careers Academy to provide scholarship opportunities, hands-on learning, and dedicated instructor support to students, many of whom are deemed non-traditional and facing multiple life barriers.
In 2019, Good Careers Academy trained more than 800 students in vocational training.
Learn more about Goodwill San Antonio’s Good Careers Academy.
